MCU21_0110 Proposed hotel - Noosa Springs - Bushfire_evacuation concerns

Gondwana Ecology Group letters

1. Letter dated 9 February 2023: Re: Updated Layout – Further Information for Council
2. Letter dated 25 April 2022: RE: Updated Layout – Further Information for Council


        1. Letter dated 9 February 2023: Re: Updated Layout – Further Information for Council

Koala habitat/feed trees

The February 2023 letter provided by Gondwana Ecology Group confirmed that the nineteen “koala
habitat” trees, that previously were going to be removed from the area to the north of the site, will
now remain as a result of the tennis courts being relocated. This is to be applauded as more protection
for our valuable fauna.

ATTACHMENT B – TREE SURVEY

This letter provided further information for Council, based on the more general survey of the trees to
the north of the tennis courts, that was carried out on 7 November 2022, as follows:

TOTAL SUMMARY (INSIDE SITE)

 TREE                                             RETAIN                        REMOVE
 Brushbox                                        113                            51*
 Gum                                              11                              0
 Cypress                                          62                             38
 Wattle                                           18                              4
 Bloodwood                                        29                            12*
 She-oak                                          19                              7
 Banksia                                           6                              2
 TOTALS                                          258                            114
                                                         *Note = 63 koala habitat trees removed


Based on the survey, 63 koala feed trees (bloodwood or brushbox) will be removed, of which the
majority (80%) are brushbox. 153 koala feed trees will be retained.

The number of cockatoo feed trees (she-oaks) recorded in the survey was 26, of which 7 will be
removed.

Their recommendation that a total of 120 koala feed trees and 25 she-oak trees be planted as
replacements will be a significant contribution to the future wellbeing of our fauna.

Additional ecological enhancements

The February 2023 submission also recommends additional ecological enhancement measures which
should be supported:
   • Installation of nest-boxes within the golf course or other land as supported by Council.
   • Salvage of any “habitat” material (hollows/dead wood/logs) for use elsewhere in the landscape.
   • A protective mechanism (e.g. covenant) for the retained vegetation in the north generally
      consistent with Area 2A (Attachment A), and
   • A rehabilitation/landscaping plan would ensure the control of invasive weed species and
      planting with suitable native alternatives. This will enhance local habitat value.




   MCU21_0110 Proposed hotel - Noosa Springs - Bushfire_evacuation concerns                Page 19 of 31